February 12, 2019

FEBRUARY 12 - FEBRUARY 18, 2019

SPORTS

UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

OPINION

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Seawolves break even against Nanooks in Governor’s Cup

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG

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Kids deserve privacy and free choice from their parents

State board knew of School of Education accreditation issues in July

By Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org

State education officials may have known that the School of Education would not receive accreditation as early as last summer. The Chair of the Alaska State Board of Education and Early Development was asked

by Senators on the Senate Education Committee when he first knew of struggles at the committee meeting on Feb. 5. Chair James Fields said he was first notified that there may have been problems with renewing accreditation during the Council for Educator Preparation site visit in the summer.‌ “There was informal communication that yeah, it didn’t look good,” Fields said.‌ During the same committee meeting, Jim Johnsen, president of the UA system, said that lines of communication were broken and he was not aware of any serious problems. ‌ “It did catch me by surprise,” Johnsen said. “I did understand that it wasn’t a slam dunk, but I was under the impression that we would likely succeed.”‌ Since the official accreditation was revoked by the CAEP in January, the university has chosen not to appeal CAEP’s decision and the Board of Regents may decide to not reapply for accreditation.‌ “I have not made a decision, the Board of Regents has not made a decision, at this point, whether to reapply for accreditation,” Johnsen said. “It would

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be a three-year process to go through, a lot of time, a lot of resources would be involved in that.”‌ Sen. Tom Begich, who runs a scholarship fund that provides money for several education students at UAA, said he was “disturbed” by the prospect that the university would not reapply for accreditation.‌ “I think the message that it sends to our potential teachers in Alaska is that education sort of matters but we’re going to base our education school essentially in Southeast despite the fact that over half of the population of the state is based in the Southcentral area of Alaska,” Begich said.‌ At the meeting, Johnsen presented a timeline of events that led up to the accreditation revocation.

• Aug. 2017 — UAA submits self-study report to CAEP • Dec. 2017 — CAEP provides a formative review to UAA • April 2018 — CAPE 3-Day site visit to UAA • June 2018 — site visit report available to UAA • Nov. 2018 — UAA notified to expect a final decision in December • Jan. 2019 — CAEP Accreditation revocation received‌ At a September 2017 Board of Regents meeting, Johnsen floated the goal of having University of Alaska education programs prepare 90 percent of the new teachers hired in Alaska.

This plan included the creation of an Alaska College of Educa-

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PHOTO BY CHEYENNE MATHEWS

tion centered at UAS. In preparation for the move, Johnsen had outlined how to make a successful transition, including discussions on how to retain accreditation with the president of the accrediting body Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.‌ Over 400 UAA students have been impacted by the accreditation revocation, according to Johnsen’s presentation. While students graduating in the spring and summer will still be licensed to work in the state, no guarantees have been offered for later graduates. Michael Johnson, the commission of the Department of Education and Early Development, said the department will offer what support it can while prioritizing K-12 education.‌

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“There’s three priorities that I’ve recommended that the board keeps in mind and that we’ve kept in mind at the department,” Johnson said. “Number one and always the priority education we are providing to K-12 students in the state. Number two, the students that are enrolled in the education program at UAA that have found themselves in this unfortunate situation. And number three, supporting the university as the work through this unfortunate situation.”‌ Sen. Shelley Hughes asked Johnsen if there would be any firings because of the revocation.‌ “I can say and this is easily discoverable, the interim director of the program, the provost and the chancellor of UAA those are all new names,” Johnsen said

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of the young leadership at UAA.‌ The university has held a number of public forums for education students but the first listening session with the Board of Regents will take place on Feb. 12. The following week, there will be a public testimony callin opportunity Feb. 19 from 4-6 p.m. The full board will meet in Anchorage Feb. 28-March 1.‌ In the midst of the SoE accreditation revocation, the institutional accreditation for UAA was renewed by the NWCCU. In an email to the UAA community, Chancellor Cathy Sandeen wrote, “Institutional accreditation is an exhaustive review of every facet of our university.

This is a positive milestone that is a testament to the contributions and quality of our students, faculty and staff.”‌

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THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

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Photos, art wanted for Parking Services’ contests

By Malia Barto

arts@thenorthernlight.org

It’s a while from now, but soon enough, it’ll be August and the fall semester will begin.

And after registering for classes, there’s another thing most students will have to obtain: a parking permit. Parking permits can be a bit pricey, but luckily, every year UAA Parking Services holds an annual photography contest where students can win a free annual or semester parking pass.‌ The guidelines and rules are pretty simple: no recognizable faces, photos must be taken on campus and no filters or editing may be added to the photos.

UAA students, staff and faculty are all encouraged to participate. The photos must be taken by the entrant, who can submit up to three photos each, with a new form per submission.‌ The contest is a way for students to explore UAA’s campus, have an opportunity to submit their photography and have a

chance to see their photo on their own parking permit next year. Past winners have entered photos of UAA buildings, sculptures, wildlife and classrooms, among many other areas.‌ “It is truly an opportunity for each artist to make photos around their own area of interest,” Glenna Muncy, UAA Parking Services director, said. ‌ In 2018, Suzanne Snyder shot a picture of a moose dawdling on campus, which won first place.‌ A judging panel will pick four total winners; first place wins an annual parking pass, and three runner-ups will win a semester parking pass.‌ The deadline for this contest is Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. Winners will be announced March 5. The full list of rules, along with the submission form is available by searching for UAA Parking Services or by visiting bit.ly/parkingphoto2019. ‌ If there’s another medium of art that’s more enticing for you, Parking Services and People Mover are teaming up for The Platinum Partnership Art Ex-

hibit 2019. This is a part of the 20th Anniversary celebration of UPass, the collaboration between UAA and People Mover.‌ “This is the first year we did the Platinum Partnership Art Exhibit,” Brandon Moore, UAA Parking Services marketing coordinator, wrote in an email. “As for the Parking Services photo contest, that has taken place since 2007.” ‌ The rules for the Platinum Partnership are quite simple too: 8.5 x 11 of any two-dimensional art that captures a “positive aspect” of public transportation.‌ If selected by People Mover staff, the artist will have their print on the 2019 People Mover’s Ride Guide. However, all the photos will be displayed on Facebook and the photo that receives the most likes will win a “Hungry Artist Award” and a gift card to Blaine’s Art Supply and the Spenard Roadhouse.‌ The deadline for this contest is Feb. 20. For the full rules and entry form, search for “Parking Services Call for Art” or visit bit.ly/2D8ds1v.

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The perfect date for a date: Valentine’s weekend calendar

By Malia Barto

arts@thenorthernlight.org

Valentine’s day is Thursday, Feb. 14.

If you’re looking for date ideas for you and your new bae, longtime sweetheart or maybe just some friends, Anchorage is filled with events from Valentine’s Day until the end of the weekend. Happy Valentine’s! ‌

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“Red Light/Green Light Valentine’s Day Party”‌ What: Flattop Pizza + Pool is hosting their first Red Light/Green Light party.

Attendees get their choice of green (single), yellow (it’s complicated) or red (taken) glow stick necklace. Music and prizes are also at this event.‌ When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 8p.m. - 12 a.m.‌ Where: Flattop Pizza + Pool (600 W. Sixth Ave.)‌ Cost: Free admission‌‌ “Spenard Prom 2019”‌ What: The second Spenard Prom is at the Bear Tooth Theatrepub. Relive prom again with lights, music, DJ, Bear Tooth food for purchase and photos. This is a 21+ event.

When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 8:30 p.m.‌ Where: Bear Tooth Theatrepub (1230 W. 27th Ave.)‌ Cost: $15. Visit http://bit.ly/2BRUl8j for more information and ticket purchasing.‌ ‌ “When Harry Met Sally - 30th Anniversary”‌ What: Catch a classic rom-com at Bear Tooth with your gal pals or significant other.‌ When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.‌ Where: Bear Tooth Theatrepub (1230 W. 27th Ave.)‌‌ Cost: $4 for general admission‌‌ “The Moth StorySLAM: Love Hurts at Williwaw Social”‌‌ What: If you’re not into all that loveydovey stuff, Love Hurts may be a more comfortable fit. Five-minute tales of love are presented at this event. This is a 21+ event.‌ When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 7 - 10 p.m.‌ Where: Williwaw Social (609 F St.)‌

Cost: $15‌‌ “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change”‌ What: Valentine’s Day is opening night for this revue which looks at everything in a relationship with songs and dialogue fit for this day and age.‌ When: Thursday, Feb. 14, 7 - 9 p.m.‌ Where: Cyrano’s Theatre Company (3800 Debarr Rd)‌ Cost: $23-$25. Visit CenterTix to purchase‌ “The Language of Black Love 2”‌ What: A discussion on the historical roots of modern-day interpersonal problems for couples from marginalized populations.‌ When: Friday, Feb. 15, 6-9 p.m.‌ Where: UAA Student Union (2921 Spirit Way)‌ Cost: Free‌ “Body Renew Valentine’s Zumba Party”‌ What: Body Renew is holding a free Zumba party in honor of Valentine’s Day. Dress in your best Valentine’s apparel and get dancing.‌ When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 5 - 7 p.m.‌ Where: Body Renew East (7710 Grass Creek Rd.)‌ Cost: Free, open to the public‌‌ “Paint Sleeping Lady and Build Your Own Pizza”‌ What: Celebrating Valentine’s during the weekend? This paint night is sure to be something special with painting and a pizza including in one price. Kids are welcome.‌ When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 6 - 9 p.m.‌ Where: Pizza Studio (1254 Muldoon Rd.)‌ Cost: $25-$35. Visit myalaskatix to purchase‌‌ “Valentine’s Day - Cosplay on Skates”‌ What: Get your best cosplay on and skate away at Dimond Skateland. Please, no masks or face paint as part of your costume. ‌ When: Saturday, Feb. 16, 1 - 3 p.m.‌ Where: Dimond Skateland (8100 Homer Dr.)‌ Cost: $8, general admission‌‌‌‌‌

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SPORTS

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

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Seawolf hockey kicks of Governor’s Cup with one win, one loss

PHOTO COURTESY OF SKIP HICKEY

Kristian Stead blocks the Seawolves’ net in a game against the Nanooks on Feb. 8.

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

The Seawolves kicked off the 2019 Governor’s Cup over the weekend of Feb. 8. The in-state rivalry takes place over the course of two different weekends, one in Anchorage and one in Fairbanks. ‌ The Seawolves were the first to travel up to UAF to compete against the Nanooks, while the Nanooks will return to Anchorage at the beginning of March to

continue the event. ‌ Currently, UAF has a better record than UAA. At No. 7 in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, UAF is three spots ahead of No. 10 UAA. The Nanooks had an 8-11 conference record while the Seawolves were struggling with a 1-17 record coming into the Governor’s Cup. ‌ However, the Seawolves spent ample time preparing for this event head coach Matt Curley said‌ “We spent the last couple weeks com-

ing off the Michigan Tech series in preparation to play Fairbanks. It is something that we have really rallied behind,” Curley said.‌ The effort did not go unnoticed, with the Seawolves producing an impressive 4-1 win during the first game on Feb. 8. ‌ Despite the Nanooks making the first goal of the night, the Seawolves were able to hold them off for the rest of the game. ‌ Sophomore goaltender Kristian Stead was in the goal for the night, accumulating 26 saves throughout the game. This was the first career win for Stead.‌ While Stead was blocking the Seawolves’ net, four other UAA players were able to get some action on the other side of the rink.

Sophomore defenseman Eric Sinclair was the first Seawolf to put the puck in the net. This was the only goal for the Seawolves in the first period. ‌ In the second period, sophomore defenseman Aaron McPheters made a goal to put the Seawolves into the lead. Following him, both senior forward Jeremiah Luedtke and freshman defenseman Drayson Pears made an additional goal each to solidify the Seawolves’ win. ‌ Curley was pleased that the effort they have put in so far this season has started to pay off. ‌ “The unique thing about playing Fairbanks is that it gives us the opportunity to still play for something,” Curley said.

“And with how the year has gone, it has

been really a full force effort the last couple days to put forth our best effort to get this job done.” ‌ The Seawolves continued the Governor’s Cup on Feb. 9, but they were not able to continue a win streak. The Nanooks redeemed themselves with a 2-1 win over the Seawolves. ‌ Curley explained that the game started off slow and by the time things picked up for the Seawolves, it was already too late.‌ UAF made it on the board first, with just seven minutes left in the first period, scoring off of a rebound. ‌ The Seawolves weren’t able to score during the first period. However, junior defenseman Carmine Buono made UAA’s only goal for the night at the beginning of the second to tie the game. ‌ With no more points on the board for the Seawolves during the game, UAF’s Ryker Leer scored the game-winning goal near the end of the third period. ‌ “Although it is my first [Governor’s Cup as a coach], I certainly appreciate what it means to have this rivalry and having the opportunity to bring back a Governor’s Cup since it has been a long time since we last had it,” Curley said. ‌ Since the Governor’s Cup is separated into two weekends, the action will continue in Anchorage on March 1. ‌ Prior to that, the Seawolves will next be hosting Ferris State at Sullivan Arena on Feb. 15 and 16. ‌‌‌

SPORTS

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UAA physical education students take Know Your Numbers to Valdez

By Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org

Know Your Numbers is an annual program put on by UAA’s Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department that occurs between October and December. The program allows anyone to sign up, including students, employees and the public, to assess their health and fitness levels. ‌ When administered at UAA, the testing is broken down into two days. Day one is exercise testing while day two is exercise prescription. ‌ Day one occurs in the UAA Human Performance Lab, encompassing a variety of tests.

This can include the BOD POD test, push-up test, sit and reach test, partial functional movement screening, metabolic rate test and/or VO2 sub max test. ‌ One week later, participants were to return to meet with the student fitness professional to discuss a personalized fitness plan. ‌ Following similar protocols, physical education students and staff from UAA traveled to Valdez over the weekend of Feb. 1-3 to do a fitness assessment for the community. ‌ UAA Employee Wellness Program and Student Practicum

PHOTO COURTESY OF UAA DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical education students and staff from UAA traveled to Valdez over the weekend of Feb. 1-3 to do a fitness assessment for the community.

Coordinator for HPER, Kyra McKay, was the main coordinator for the Valdez trip.‌ “[The Director of the Fitness Center for the Prince William Sound College] contacted me about bringing the Know Your Numbers program to Valdez for the Healthier Valdez Program. I planned the trip and the logistics and helped put together the team to go,” McKay said. ‌ Due to the location, the program had to be altered. Senior

and current intern for the Human Performance lab, Yvonne Jeschke, worked to make the event successful despite the location change.‌ “We had to modify our program because of the shorter time frame and less equipment. Our group set up stations to collect research data, assess blood pressure, body composition, functional movement and work on goal setting,” Jeschke said. “I rated the community members

on basic functional movements and gave them advice for proper technique and exercise modifications.” ‌ Despite the alteration, Jeschke said the event was a huge success, with over 100 people in attendance. She explained that the Valdez residents were excited to have such an opportunity and were thrilled to learn more about exercise and health.‌ Alongside Jeschke was Junland Navarro, who worked as an

advisor for UAA’s Know Your Numbers this year. ‌ “I was involved in planning the assessments, equipment prep and inventory, site planning and I was with Yvonne [Jeschke] for the FMS section of the KYNValdez,” Navarro said. “It was a bit of a challenge trying to do an assessment for 100 plus in [that] short amount of time. But with the help of PWSC staff, volunteers, students and the Valdez community, I believe the Healthier Valdez Kickoff was a success.”‌ McKay agreed that the event was a complete success. ‌ “The trip did turn out as we expected and really think we were able to help people take that first step into living healthier lifestyles and to continue this year-long program for the Valdez community,” McKay said. ‌ Jeschke explained she hopes the fitness assessment becomes a recurrent event. ‌ “It was great being part of such an event from the very beginning to the implementation and I hope we will establish a long-term connection with Valdez and their community,” Jeschke said. ‌ To learn more about Know Your Numbers visit the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department on www.uaa. alaska.edu. ‌

OPINION

THENORTHERNLIGHT.ORG TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2019

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Tear down Anchorage’s malls

By Robert Hockema opinion@thenorthernlight.org

If you’ve been to the Dimond Mall lately, you’ve probably noticed things look a bit different than it used to. ‌ Mall traffic has slowly petered out over the past five years, even during the holidays. When stores close, vacancies are more likely to remain unfilled. Recent closures like Perfumania will certainly add to the deficit in mall activity. ‌ More kiosks are occupying the mall -- likely because its cheaper than renting space from a building that’s losing tenants and customers faster than it can keep up with. ‌ The new Dave and Buster’s has helped offset the decline, but even the country’s largest adult arcade can’t fight the incoming tide of the online retail industry. Companies like Amazon now account for nearly half of ecommerce sales. Higher living costs and unprecedented student debt is squeezing the wallets of young consumers. Consumer habits are shifting towards experienced-based purchased, rather than material products. ‌ As a result, malls are quickly becoming obsolete. It’s estimated that half of America’s malls will be closed by 2023. Anchorage’s malls will be no exception.

The Midtown Mall nearly saw it’s doors close for good before big-name stores like REI saved it. Even outside the mall, Alaskan chain outlets are struggling to maintain a profit. ‌ Alaskan shopping trends often defy national ones, meaning there’s a chance Anchorage’s mall culture will hang on just a while longer. But it’s only a matter of time before malls like Dimond and 5th Avenue become emblematic of America’s ghost malls. ‌ We can choose to mourn the job losses that will follow, which

will surely hurt families who relied on work at the mall. Or instead, we can choose to see the inevitable death of Anchorage’s malls as an opportunity to build something better: public housing and services for lower-income individuals. ‌ In Moorestown, New Jersey, declining mall’s are being repurposed for low-to-moderate income housing units, which will connect disadvantaged communities to nicer schools and allow them to live closer to their places of employment. The Northgate Mall in Seattle is looking to tear down large sections of abandoned property and add housing units as well. ‌ Obviously, not all cities are the same. New Jersey and Seattle have different needs than Anchorage, and we can’t assume all housing policies should look the same. But it’s clear that Anchorage would benefit from a larger supply of affordable housing, especially after a statewide assessment by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation reported that the state needs to double its housing units each year to prevent overcrowding within the next decade. ‌ It’s also necessary to create housing opportunities that are affordable and safe. The same report noted that Alaska’s housing is in some of the worst physical conditions, especially for tribal areas. But even in Anchorage, the spectrum for housing options is relatively meek.

Opportunities that are somewhat affordable are worn down, aged and in need of repair. Lowincome residents struggling to make rent have to make painful trade- offs like selling off assets, taking up multiple jobs, reducing spending on the things they need or worse. Not only does that dramatically affect the quality of life, but it slows down economic productivity when people are focusing all their energy towards putting a roof on their

head. ‌ Those that can’t afford a place to live are forced to live in homeless camps, hop houses with friends and relatives or leave the city. If you live in a homeless camp, you might be subject to eviction by city officials thanks to measures passed by the city Assembly. Sweeping up the homeless and chasing them around the city is hardly proving to be a sustainable solution for homelessness, because it doesn’t treat the reason as to why people become homeless in the first place. ‌ Those causes are complex and intersectional, and more housing isn’t going to solve all of them. But research suggests it goes a long way towards giving both the homeless the tools they need to get back on their feet. Utah dramatically reduced homelessness when they began giving homeless residents a place to live, counseling to deal with mental illness and drug addiction and resources for them to get back into the job market.

Homelessness dropped 72 percent between 2005 and 2014, and the state saves roughly $8,000 per homeless person in annual expenses. The program, called Housing First, was floated by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz years ago, but as per the statewide assessment, clearly not enough is being done. ‌ Coming around full circle, Anchorage’s rapidly declining malls and shopping centers offer an opportunity to bring policies like Housing First to fruition. To do so, we should work to phase in development units by repurposing large, vacant stores and turning them into mixedincome public housing units. It may be difficult, but the livelihoods of those unable to find a safe place to live supersede the need to keep dying shopping centers alive. ‌‌

Letter to the Editor: Everyone Deserves a Home From graduate student Mariah Seater, Young Alaskans for Anti-Poverty Initiatives (YAAPI).

Thousands of low-income working families in Alaska struggle because of our affordable housing crisis. Low-income households have incomes that do not exceed 80 percent of the local median income, which is equivalent to $59,150 for a family of three in Alaska. Extremely low-income households have incomes that do not exceed 30 percent of the local median income, which is equivalent to $23,500 for a family of three in Alaska (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). ‌ Over 9,000 low-income households in Alaska use federal rental assistance to rent modest housing at an affordable cost. At least 56 percent have extremely low incomes, as shown by data

from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. ‌ Federal rental assistance helps struggling Alaska seniors, people experiencing disabilities, veterans and working families keep a roof over their heads and make ends meet. In Alaska, this means that for every assisted household, over twice as many low-income households are homeless or pay more than half their income for rent and do not receive any federal rental assistance due to limited funding. ‌ When housing costs consume more than half of household income, low-income families are at greater risk of becoming homeless. In 2016, 1,940 people in Alaska were homeless or living in shelters, including 168 veterans and 413 people in families with children. ‌ Simply put, rental assistance supports low-wage working

families. Most importantly, rental assistance helps families in urban and rural areas of Alaska.

More than 2,600 Alaska households receiving federal rental assistance live in rural areas.

When it comes to the dollars and sense, these programs brought $75 million in federal funding into Alaska in 2016. ‌ During budget negotiations, I hope our congressional leadership fairly evaluates, considers and supports federal rental assistance to help house the people of Alaska because everyone deserves a home.‌ Sincerely,‌ Mariah Seater, M.S. MPH Student | Student Advisory Council (SAC) Member Department of Health Sciences‌

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Consider polyamory nogamy is unsupported.

Even the institution of maropinion2@thenorthernlight.org riage, the cultural bedrock of monogamy, originated with People still seem to be sus- deeply sexist undertones. A ritpicious of non-monogamous re- ual of sorts where the woman, lationships. Despite evidence as property, is transferred from that more couples from diverse the father to the groom. This indemographics are trying it, the stitution helped bring about the majority of the population re- monogamy-only custom that mains rooted in the assumption people still surrender to today. that strictly monogamous rela- Despite the rigidity of marriage, tionships are all that is viable most civilizations developed aland socially acceptable. Media lowances for sexual paramours. still reinforces the glamorous Ottoman Sultans hosted harems soulmates who separate only of courtesans, European royal by death. Socially-conservative courts managed mistresses and crusaders still rail against any the Japanese entertained geideviation from traditional mar- shas. These pleasures lend creriage. And many couples are dence to the biological inclinasuffering from a defunct sex tion for polyamory. Granted, life where they would rather these historical situations were have an affair than talk to their enjoyed almost entirely by men, partner about polyamory. This so modern polyamory ought to Valentine’s Day, couples should be more gender equitable.‌ recognize the full breadth of roReproductive considerations mantic options that they have. ‌ are no longer a dominant conAdopting polyamory de- cern for modern humans in highpends on the enthusiastic con- ly developed countries. Sex is sent and trust of both partners. for pleasure. This fact supports Additionally, it requires clear the healthy nature of polygamy. communication on what the Dr. Jessica Wood at York Uniterms are for the new polyam- versity published evidence that orous agreement. Even the word having sex matters more than itself is subject to interpretation. what the relationship label is.

It could imply multiple romantic Monogamists, polyamorists and connections or strictly sexual no-strings-attached rovers are diversification. At its semantic all governed by the same human foundation, polyamory can be desires for sexual gratification. thought of as “multiple love.” It is not the case that one group How couples define that is up to is prudish while the other is dethem. What couples should not viant. Sexuality is just a natudo, however, is continue to suf- ral and healthy cornerstone of focate within the arbitrary con- the human experience, and we fines of monogamy. If the cur- ought to embrace that.‌ rent arrangement makes both Through that lens, we can partners truly happy, then there start to gleem the benefits of is no need to change. But if there polyamory. Tight sexual boundis mutual dissatisfaction, then aries lead to frustration, and they should not feel guilty or there is no guarantee that your scared of trying something new.‌ partner’s sexuality will be in Monogamy doesn’t have to lock-step with yours. Polyamory be the default relationship struc- enables partners to satisfy speture for humans. Research in cific needs that may not be adanthropology and evolution- equately addressed in the moary biology suggests that pre- nogamous relationship. Sexual historic humans regularly en- diversification allows for indigaged in sexual promiscuity as viduals to experiment beyond a way to maximize successful their sexual orientation, such as reproduction. This is consistent bisexuality, without sacrificing with most other animal species. their existing relationship. FanIn fact, monogamy is actually tasies that involve different peocostly for most species because ple or more people can be fulit requires an individual to place filled. Romance can be enjoyed their entire reproductive invest- in various forms simultaneously.‌ ment on the fitness of their mate.‌ All of these benefits can conNone of this is intended to tribute to making the most out of pry away the value of monoga- your life. But if you are content mous relationships. If that is with your monogamy and your what makes both people happy, partner is too, that is just fine. so be it. But it does demonstrate Just don’t dismiss polyamory that the social mores we create because it seems fringe. It is about monogamy are often arbi- actually more human than you trary and repressive. Frankly, a might think.‌‌ biological requirement for moBy Ben Edwards

OPINION

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Kids have rights

By Ben Edwards

opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

It seems like an undisputed matter of fact. The average parent would confidently proclaim that they exercise nothing but total respect for their children’s privacy and free choice. But that doesn’t appear to be the case. A Harris Poll found that 43 percent of parents in the U.S. are snooping on their kids’ phones.

Over a third are doing it without their kid’s knowledge. The data is consistent with social assumptions about age and gender as well. Parents are more likely to snoop on their younger children, and far more likely to get involved in the personal lives of girls rather than boys.‌ The vast majority of these parents are sure that they are doing nothing wrong. Checking their kid’s text messages, internet searches and social media posts are all in the noble pursuit of keeping them safe. 60 percent of the respondents didn’t think their child even had a right to hide such activities from their parents.‌ But this issue isn’t contained to pre-adolescent children. At least with them, parents have a marginally compelling argument to make for regulating

their lives. Abuse of privacy occurs well throughout a teenager’s years as well. It may even increase as some parents react to the teen’s natural exploration of relationships and sexuality by snooping even more. This spirals into deeply unsettling parental attitudes where they believe they have a right to adjudicate their teen’s relationships and intervene vindictively when a relationship ends. Think of those weird “if you hurt my daughter I swear to God I will…” posts from over-reactive fathers who infantilize their daughters.‌ It is clear that parents are infringing on the privacy rights of children, especially teens. Given that most parents claim to be doing this for safety, what is the problem? Flatly stated, denying privacy to kids can break down trust and deprive them of some important developmental milestones. Valuable life skills can be learned from making mistakes and dealing with the consequences independently. We can reasonably expect the youth to make the wrong decisions at times. But as long as it isn’t lifethreatening, they should be free to mess up.‌ So how do parents predict the seriousness of any given mistake? Communication is useful, of course. The goal here would

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them to self-accountability.

They learn to abide by rules they set themselves, rather than rules set by snooping parents.‌ Finally, respecting privacy builds a culture of trust between child and parent. Coming off as punitive and judgemental about what minor decisions a teen makes is detrimental to that effort. Research at Harvard has shown that teens are already carefully curating their online presence, contrary to the paren-

tal belief that teens are careless online. Without trust, teens are more likely to use their superior knowledge of online privacy settings to evade parental scrutiny. With trust, teens can be free to develop their changing identities and seek parent advice on topics already visible to the parent. If parents start recognizing that children are individuals with equal rights, then it builds more trustworthy, safe and constructive young citizens.‌‌

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Managing Editor Cheyenne Mathews cmathews@thenorthernlight.org‌

be to equip the kid with knowledge that would help them rank decisions on seriousness and choose a course of action. It would also help them identify dilemmas that they should voluntarily seek guidance on. The goal is not to make the decision for them, and certainly not to exaggerate things that are actually trivial. This is particularly evident in teen relationships.

Parents should discard any notion that dictated abstinence is still worth anything in the modern world. Rather, equipping the teen with an understanding of safe sex and healthy relationships is a better way to achieve safety while still respecting their rights. ‌ Affording young people the right to make their own decisions is important for developing their awareness of accountability. When responding to their teen’s bad behavior, parents feel the temptation to blame something else. Social media often takes the fall in this regard, as it provides a forum for teens to make inappropriate posts or be exposed to disturbing content. By blaming the internet, parents are absolving their children from taking full responsibility for their decisions. Allowing teens to control their online presence themselves subjects

Marketing Representative Morgan Wilhelm marketing@thenorthernlight.org Media Adviser Paola Banchero‌ Administrative Adviser Zac Clark‌ Administrative Assistant Allie Hartman

Arts & Entertainment Editor Malia Barto arts@thenorthernlight.org‌ Sports Editor Lauren Cuddihy sports@thenorthernlight.org‌ Opinion Writer Robert Hockema opinion@thenorthernlight.org Opinion Writer Ben Edwards opinion2@thenorthernlight.org

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